Deborah!

Luca was about to go in search of an orderly when Austyn came out. He’d changed into a fresh grey suit, complete with a jacket and a tie. ‘Where are you going?’ Luca asked. ‘I’m leaving.’ ‘The hospital?’ Luca was stunned. ‘But you’re sick!’ ‘I’m fine.’ ‘Jesse hasn’t discharged you.’ Luca tried to stop him. ‘Come on. Don’t—Hey!’ He solicited the help of a nurse passing by outside. ‘Miss, grab that man! He’s trying to escape from the hospital!’ The nurse approached Austyn tentatively but was transfixed to the spot by a stern look from him. Austyn walked past her unimpeded. Luca tried in vain to talk him out of it, but Austyn was adamant. In the end, Luca had no choice but to drive him home. He grumbled as he started the engine, ‘I’m going to get an earful from Jesse once he hears about this.’ Austyn was in the front passenger seat. His hand had stopped bleeding. His eyes were closed. Luca shook his head. He really needed to choose his friends more carefully next time. The car rolled out